69 pages • 2 hours read •
In an Antique Land: History in the Guise of a Traveler's Tale
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Book Brief
400
Book • Nonfiction
•
Indian Literature•
Travel LiteratureEgypt, India • 12th century
•
The Past•
Self Discovery1992
Vintage Books
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In an Antique Land by Amitav Ghosh interweaves a historical narrative with an anthropological study, exploring Ghosh's experiences as an Indian graduate student in a small Egyptian town and his investigation into a 12th-century Jewish trader and his Indian slave. The book juxtaposes medieval and contemporary Egypt, reflecting on cultural identity, historical connections, and the experiences of outsiders.
Informative
Mysterious
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
3,806 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
In an Antique Land by Amitav Ghosh expertly intertwines historical narrative with personal memoir, offering a rich tapestry of cross-cultural exploration. Readers praise its meticulous research and evocative storytelling. Critiques focus on its dense historical passages, which may challenge some readers. Overall, it's a thought-provoking, immersive read bridging past and present.
Who Should Read In an Antique Land?
A reader who enjoys In an Antique Land by Amitav Ghosh typically appreciates a blend of historical fiction and travelogue. They are likely fascinated by cultural anthropology, history, and cross-cultural experiences. Admirers of Orhan Pamuk’s Istanbul and Edward Said’s Orientalism would find this book engaging.
3,806 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Bomma
Bomma
An enslaved Indian man from Tulunad who becomes an integral part of Ben Yiju’s business dealings during the Indian Ocean trade.
Abraham Ben Yiju
Abraham Ben Yiju
A Jewish merchant whose life and letters from the Indian Ocean trade routes provide insight into medieval commerce and multicultural interactions.
Nabeel
Nabeel
A quiet and contemplative resident of Nashawy who befriends Ghosh and moves to Iraq for work, playing a significant role in Ghosh’s stories of the villagers.
Shaikh Musa
Shaikh Musa
An elderly village resident who befriends Ghosh and represents the traditional values of the Egyptian village amidst social changes.
Ustaz Sabry
Ustaz Sabry
A respected young teacher in the village known for his eloquence and piety, who symbolizes the younger generation's shift towards a more fundamentalist perspective.
Imam Ibrahim Abu-Kanaka
Imam Ibrahim Abu-Kanaka
An old barber and traditional doctor attempting to adapt to changing times while representing traditional Egyptian practices.
In an Antique Land entwines elements of history, anthropology, and travel narrative, showcasing Amitav Ghosh's interest in how personal and collective histories intersect.
The book is notable for its non-linear narrative structure, blending Ghosh's experiences in Egypt with historical research on a 12th-century Jewish merchant and his Indian slave.
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Amitav Ghosh's work on this book began as a doctoral dissertation at the University of Oxford, where he studied under the tutelage of the prominent anthropologist Peter Lienhardt.
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400
Book • Nonfiction
•
Indian Literature•
Travel LiteratureEgypt, India • 12th century
•
The Past•
Self Discovery1992
Vintage Books
Adult
18+ years
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